Celebrating 50 Years of Rainbow Companies:
Honoring Our Legacy,
Inspiring the Future
June 9, 2026
Fifty years ago, Rainbow Companies began as a bold vision: to transform the way ecosystems are cared for, grounded in science, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people and the planet. As CEO Greg Krogstad reflects, “The most significant changes I’ve seen in Rainbow are the size, scale, and impact we can have.” As we mark this milestone, we proudly celebrate a journey shaped by bold milestones, dedicated individuals, and a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire.
Our Roots: Science, Service, and a Promise
In 1976, Dutch elm disease devastated the Twin Cities’ urban forest. Tom Prosser, a young man passionate about chemistry and horticulture, was determined to make a difference. Along with a friend, he combed through scientific literature in search of solutions and began offering elm protection services to neighbors on Rainbow Lane in Minnetonka, MN. While many companies at this time were focused on removing infected trees, Prosser was focused on looking for a way to preserve these incredible trees. Thus, the focus on preservation through scientific protocols was born, a standard that endures to this day.
One of the legacies we are most proud of is our unwavering commitment to protecting trees and urban forests, especially in the face of challenges like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). In 2009, a Rainbow employee discovered EAB in St. Paul, MN, a turning point that galvanized our team. Since then, we have dedicated ourselves to developing science-based solutions, educating communities, and protecting over 70,000 ash trees at any given time from this devastating pest. Every tree we save is a testament to our mission and to the belief that healthy urban forests are vital for generations to come.
Growing Through Innovation
From those first fungicide injections and macro-infusion protocols, Rainbow Companies embraced innovation. Krogstad notes, “A number of shifts in entrepreneurial ideas were a part of Rainbow’s past; one was the start of Scientific Advancements and taking this approach of educating people on how to care for trees. That shift expanded our impact beyond the Twin Cities.”
In the 1980s, the company expanded its offerings. Services grew to include pruning, removals, and stump grinding, always guided by the principle that only services with proven, predictable scientific backing would bear the Rainbow name. As the tree care industry lacked research and tools, Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements was founded to fill the gap by creating products and protocols for arborists nationally. Our brands, Rainbow Treecare, Lawncare, Pest Experts, Holiday Design, Rainbow Ecoscience, and Growth Solutions, reflect our belief in delivering predictable results through science-based practices and ongoing research.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Rainbow branched into turf care, pest management, and product research and development. The introduction of Cambistat® TGR, the HTI 2000 soil injection probe, and market-changing protocols for oak wilt, bacterial leaf scorch, and more cemented Rainbow’s role as an industry pioneer. The founding of Growth Solutions LLC and international expansion through Arbor Scientific extended Rainbow’s impact across North America and beyond.
Milestones That Shaped Us
- 1976: Rainbow ElmCare begins protecting Twin Cities’ urban trees.
- 1986: Rainbow Treecare incorporated, offering full arboricultural services.
- 1998: Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements founded to provide research and management tools.
- 2004: Cambistat® becomes the industry standard for Utility Vegetation Management.
- 2005: Rainbow Pest Experts forms, bringing science and integrity to structural pest control.
- 2008: Rainbow Lawncare forms, offering environmentally friendly turf care services.
- 2009: Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in the Twin Cities by a Rainbow Treecare employee.
- 2010: Rainbow Holiday Design begins offering customers beautiful, safe lighting.
- 2014: Growth Solutions LLC expands TGR services to electric utilities nationwide.
- 2015: Rainbow launches Saluting Branches, a certified non-profit organization dedicated to providing free tree care in veterans’ cemeteries.
- 2016: International expansion with Arbor Scientific.
- 2021: Rainbow Companies becomes 100% employee-owned, deepening its people-first culture.
- 2022: Quantum Tree Injector launched—our latest innovation in tree health.
- 2024: Greg Krogstad is appointed as CEO, and Shawn Bernick as COO.
People at the Heart of Our Success
Our journey would not be possible without the extraordinary employees, customers, and partners who define our legacy. Krogstad emphasizes, “Fostering innovation means creating space for all employees to contribute to the company’s entrepreneurial spirit… All the things we’ve ever solved in this company have been solved by people. There’s been no secret sauce; nothing that has been totally patented and protected. For many, many years the company was nothing more than people confronting the challenges of the day.”
With 41 Certified Arborists and 7 Board-Certified Master Arborists, Rainbow was among Minnesota’s first TCIA-accredited businesses in Minnesota. We celebrate the expertise, dedication, and integrity of our teams, and honor the trust placed in us every day. Rainbow has always been more than a company; it is a community united by our belief: not every tree should be cut down; some can and should be saved.
Looking Forward: Our Vision for the Next 50 Years
- Driving innovation in science-based ecosystem care.
- Investing in our people and their ongoing education.
- Expanding our positive impact, both locally and globally.
- Embracing new opportunities that will define Rainbow’s next era.
Thank You
To our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and supportive partners: thank you for being part of Rainbow’s journey. As we celebrate our golden anniversary, we are inspired by our past and excited for what lies ahead. Here’s to 50 years of making a difference and to many more years of excellence, innovation, and shared success.
Rainbow Companies: Caring for your world is not just our mission—it’s our promise.
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